After starting ends Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay, the Bills suffered two big losses to their backups, with Ryan Denney sidelined indefinitely with a broken foot and Anthony Hargrove suspended for the first four games of the regular season.

“I’m glad to be here, glad to come in and get some work in,” Wallace said after Wednesday’s practice. “I’ve been around a long time and seen a lot of things.

“One of the things about training camp is injuries and people go down,” added Wallace, who spent the last five seasons with the Carolina Panthers, who released him in February.

Wallace said he anticipates playing the same role he did in Carolina — a backup — but will be ready for his opportunities and is working quickly to get accustomed to a new defensive system.

“It’s just a situation with terminology at this point,” Wallace said. “I’ve been playing a long time now, and you get out there, put your hand down and play football.

“I think all defenses and defensive linemen are going into a system trying to keep their guys fresh. The more you can do that, keep guys coming at them with fresh legs, the more effective you can be. I’ll be more than happy to accept getting in there, getting my reps and do what I do.”

Wallace, formerly an undrafted free agent in 1997, is already familiar with head coach Dick Jauron.

“Dick and I have crossed paths a number of times,” Wallace said. “When I was a rookie with Jacksonville in ’97 and in Chicago when he had a stint there.

“Knowing what he’s all about and the system he’s running and the program, it’s easy to kind of make a transition and get in here and know exactly what he’s expecting,” he added.

Jauron said the need to add defensive end depth was there and feels Wallace’s experience will be an asset.

“He is a veteran,” Jauron said. “He knows how to play in this league.

“I did know him in Jacksonville. I’ve always liked him. I believe he’ll fit in with us.”

The coach said Wallace should suit up Friday and plans to play him sporadically, but added that he would like him to play both sides of the line.